By 1950, movie legend James Stewart's career was fading and on a down swing. Stewart wanted t film Harvey for Universal International, however, the studio could not afford Stewart's going fee per film. They made a deal that if he would shoot Harvey and Winchester '73, he would get a cut of the profits of both films. The public was not used to seeing Mr. Stewart in a tough-character role, and it was thought that Winchester '73 would just be a so-so film. In the end, the western made more than Harvey at the box office and was the first of many westerns that Mr. Stewart would make for Universal. His career was revived and he made considerable profit from the two films.

Winchester '73 begins with a shooting contest in Dodge City. James Stewart and his buddy, High-Spade (Millard Mitchell), arrive in town. They have been pursuing an outlaw by the name of Dutch Henry Brown (Stephen McNally), who is also in town for the shooting match. The prize: a one-in-a-thousand Winchester 1873 model rifle. Stewart wins, but the gun is stolen from him. The story traces Stewart's search for the outlaw and the path that the guns travels, going from owner to owner. The final shoot-out has you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Can;t really say too much as it would give the story away. The best thing to do is to go see the movie!

This is a fantastic western! One of the best (maybe the best) we have ever seen. The plot is great, the cast is perfect, and there is plenty of action. James Stewart and Stephen McNally play hunter and hunted to perfection. Shelley Winters is surprisingly wonderful as the saloon girl trying to get a real home and John McIntire is the gun runner who comes into possession of the rifle for a short time. The fantastic Dan Duryea is wonderful as an outlaw who is in cahoots with Dutch Henry. The scene where he is confronted by James Stewart in the bar is amazing. The only funny casting is that Rock Hudson plays an Indian chief. . . oh, well.

The Universal 2003 DVD transfer is very nice. A little sign of film wear, but the picture and sound are very good. The disc has scene selection, includes the theatrical trailer, and features an audio commentary by Mr. Stewart. This was the only commentary that he ever did. You can buy this movie separately or it comes in the Jimmy Stewart Westerns Collection. Click on the photos to go to Amazon.com.